Customer Reviews

Digital Character Animation 2, Volume I: Essential Techniques

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is an EXCELLENT book for the beginner animator. In this respect, i give it 5 of 5 stars. For an already highly experienced animator, it is 1 of 5 stars. The concepts in this book assume you know little about modeling characters and animation. It is very well explained in clear english, with lots of excellent pictures to help explain it. However, each section doesn't go very deep into details, so it would be difficult to go on your own after reading this book. It does, however, give you a better understanding of all the things that need to come together in order to make a good animation. You also have to know your preferred animation package thoroughly in order to do the lessons in this book. The book shows no "steps" involved in any specific program, so you'd better know the program well! This book is better than the original Digital Character Animation book. It goes into more detail on complicated subjects, like different methods (pole orientations) of creating a NURBS head. There was valuable information in this book that i found nowhere else! I think the whole intention of the author was to write a "beginner" book. I read somewhere than Vol II (the current book is Vol I) will go into much greater detail, so this book may be good for advanced users. I can't wait for Vol II!

I just got this book in the mail about 2 weeks ago. I've already read all of it and am trying out the ideas and techniques. It's an excellent book if you're looking to learn how to create characters with either Polygons, Splines, or Nurbs. It has many tips and suggestions which makes modeling easier. This book also does a good job explaining how to animate complex motions like walking or running, paying attention to layout and the character's "feeling" -- IE, body language. In short, it's a darn good book if you're looking to get your feet wet in Character Animation.

The author does a great job of explaining the techniques involved in creating 3D character animation that can be applied in most software packages. I especially enjoyed his step-by-step techniques presented in an application-independant way--very clever! Buy this book.

This is an excellent overview of the process of 3D computer animation. Lots of color illustrations and diagrams on every page make it easy reading and there are a wealth of useful tips to simplify the complex process of character animation. This book should be useful for beginners as well as experienced animators. The Bibliography even has a description of each book.

This is such a good book on learning the basics of modeling for animation, rigging, posing, locomotion and even facial animation and dialogue. I read this book to learn character animation and I noticed I keep coming back to it because it is a very good source of fundamentals. the importance of staging, timing, and the principles are covered with useful 3d renderings to match. examples of jump and walk cycles, etc are included. and core facial expression poses are shown also noting which muscles are used. the cd contains some nice clips of animation cycles done.

Although simple in its approach, it's basics is rooted deep from a solid understanding of character animation knowledge. and since it is software independant, it will never go out of date.

Digital Character Animation 2, Volume I: Essential Techniques provides the reader with all of the necessary information to effectively create convincing computer-generated characters in 3D. George Maestri step-by-step, full color guide applies conventional character animation techniques such as walk cycles and lip sync to computer animation, along with tips for giving your characters the illusion of life. Volume I is the first of two volumes and is geared to more entry level animators, teaching the basics. The cross-platform CD-ROM includes multiple walk cycles on various 3D programs; lip sync examples; texture maps; and 3D models from REM Infografica. 280pp.

In Digital Character Animation 2, George Maestri covers the essential techniques required for the creation of a professional-quality, computer-generated character in either 2D or 3D. All aspects are covered including walk cycles and lip synch. A non-software specific text, Digital Character Animation 2 provides invaluable examples of what can be accomplished in a variety of software animation programs, and includes an informative and wide ranging discussion of tools and techniques common to all the major animation programs. Digital Character Animation 2 is an ideal instruction and reference guide for anyone using computer generated images for television, advertising, films, multimedia, or gaming projects.

The book focuses on character modelling (from the basics of modelling to the setup of the skeleton system) and takes time to explore the concepts of timing, anticipation.

It is written in a software independent way and adds a lot of pictures. You will need to have a decent understanding of your own software of choice, but that's what manuals are for...

It was my first real course on character modelling and I learned a lot about it. Not for the real pro's but for anyone who likes to get started or get past the intermediate level.

Okay maybe I would give this book a 3.5, because of the great illustrations of everything going on, but there's a big problem with this title and the stuff that you get. The book is called Digital Character Animation 2, and the keyword there is ANIMATION, which the book lacked extremely. I might add more examples of animation, because 3 pages of beginner stuff isn't going to help a more experienced user. This book is great for beginners, and will teach you a whole ton of new stuff and open your eyes to the fabulous world of 3d. But beware professionals.

This is a very good book that shows not on a special 3D packet based how to create characters and how to animate them. Well for beginners and also for professional artists who always can find something new inside and a reference for new ideas. The examples on the CD are very good to show all the ways in modelling with patches, grids and NURBS`s. Also lots of descriptions of modifiers and abillities of poligonal surfaces. I must say well done George. A masterpiece in allround characterdesign and animation.